April 2022

ORBIH WINS, AS COURT BARS EDO STATE FROM LAND USE CHARGE

The Edo High Court Sitting in Benin City has barred Governor Godwin Obaseki and the Edo State Geographic Information Service (GIS) from the collection of land use charge in the state, describing it as unconstitutional, null and void.

The judgement which was delivered by Justice Peter Akhihiero on April 25, 2022 was sequel to a suit brought before him by the claimant, Chief Ferdinand Orbih SAN.

Justice Akhihiero held that land use charge was an exclusive matter for the 18 local government areas in the state.

In the Judgement with suit No. B/99D/2022, counsel to the claimant, Kingsley Obamogie had argued that by Section 7 (1) (5) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), the collection of “Land Use Charge” was the exclusive duties of the 18 local governments of the state specifically donated by the constitution, which does not allow any derogation whatsoever.

Obamogie specifically made reference to Paragraph 1(j) of the Fourth Schedule to the Constitution that the Land Use Charge Law, 2012 and argued that the law as enacted by the Edo State House of Assembly was in flagrant breach of Section 7 Subsection 1 and 5 and paragraph 1(j) of the Fourth Schedule to the constitution.

He stated that local governments could not give up powers given to them by the constitution to collect tenement rates through an agreement between the 18 local governments and Edo State Government, being an obligatory duty imposed by the constitution.

Delivering the Judgement, Justice Akinhiero held that there was no written agreement presented to the court between the 18 local governments and the Edo State government delegating the powers to collect tenement rates to the state government.

The court also held that it was an ouster of express powers provided by the constitution for the Land Use Change Law to give powers to the Edo State Government to collect Tenement Rates using the Edo GIS.

The court then declared the Edo State Land Use Charge Law 2012, which purports to take the powers from the local governments in Edo State to collect tenement rates, as null and void, according to a THISDAY report.

Said Justice Akinhiero: “Sequel to the foregoing, I hold that in the light of the provision of Section 7, sub-section 1 and 5 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and paragraph 1(j) of the fourth schedule to the aforesaid 1999 constitution the provision of section 3 (2), 5, 18, 24 and the identified parts of section 27, the land use charge law , 2012 of Edo State are unconstitutional , invalid, null and void and of no effect whatsoever. I therefore resolved issue 1 in favor of the claimant.”

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TRAFFIC OFFENCES: ‘HOW LAGOS STATE HOLDS MOBILE COURTS, CITIZENS BY JUGULAR’

In this piece, MR. BAYO AKINLADE, anti-corruption crusader, former Chairman of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikorodu Branch and self-styled “The Bonafide Lagosian” x-rays the operations of Lagos traffic management company and treatment of alleged traffic offenders and argues that the mobile courts are being held by the jugular by the Executive arm

The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) is the Lagos State Government agency created to coordinate transport planning, policies, and public transport infrastructure implementation in the Lagos Metropolitan Area.

The organisation oversees wide range of transport planning and implementation of transport strategies and plans in Lagos, as well as the Lagos Rail Mass Transit and the Lagos Bus Rapid Transit System. THIS IS A BIG LIE AND THE SCAM OF THE CENTURY, this is why.

LAMATA IS THE REGULATOR OF ONLY ONE TRANSPORT COMPANY

The Blue BRT Buses are the only buses allowed on the BRT Corridor in Lagos State. The buses that operate on the corridor are owned by ONE company called Primero Transport Services. Primero is a private company owned by Mr. Fola TINUBU and your guess is as good as mine on who that is.

If one company alone has exclusive access to one whole lane on most of Lagos highways, then I am very bothered especially with the scarcity of roads in Lagos and the fact that most roads are damaged and under construction.

Despite its laudable initiative, the Lagos State government shows great indignation and hatred for its citizens when it allows us to spend hours on the roads while a whole lane is reserved for one bus company.

The fact that citizens have no competitive alternative is also a big disservice. Many users of the BRT are extorted daily by the bus company when monies are taken out of their bus cards illegally, they stand in queues for hours while the buses just stand there empty, they are forced to enter direct route buses and pay the maximum fare even though they are stopping on the way, there are mostly no refunds for wrongful deductions and the complaint process is set up to frustrate you.

Ordinary citizens have no respite? Can even the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission stop this evil?

BRT LANES AND ENFORCEMENT

To secure the income of this one company that runs the BRT corridor, LAMATA has an enforcement team that engages the services of the Nigerian Police, LASTMA, FRSC and other law enforcement agencies.

These enforcers don’t know the traffic laws and instead of helping to ensure free flow of traffic as the object of LAMATA, they are interested in entrapping motorists and extorting monies from them. Is LAMATA concerned about this? Sadly NO.

I am aware that the MD of LAMATA has some foreign experience but I regret to observe that the MD is not competent enough to manage these situations that we find ourselves in Lagos State.

Should a state with so few road networks be busy impounding cars and arresting motorist for traffic offences that are created just to oppress people?

If people are taking one way, why don’t you just redesign the road and temporary designate one ways as ways that can flow both ways at certain times of the day. Why can’t enforcers redirect traffic instead of ambushing motorist? Why can’t they be more understanding and explain to the motorist why they should not do certain things rather than forcefully jump into their cars, tow their cars away, or illegally remove their licence plates?

It’s quite unfortunate that we may have experienced and educated people at the helm of affairs but ignorant, uneducated and violent persons as enforcers on the streets.

LAMATA AND THE COURTS

This one is closer to home. The government has held the Mobile Courts and some magistrates’ courts by the jugular. The judiciary is not independent to determine traffic offence cases. The system is so unjust that it is the traffic violator that has to prove his innocence. Most principles of Law don’t have a place in the adjudication of traffic laws in Lagos State.

I am so disappointed that our Judiciary has condescended to the Executive arm of government and allowed itself to be manipulated and intimidated. It has been rumored that the Judiciary now generates income for the Lagos State government in a clandestine manner. I am sure we can now see how. But the courts are helpless and they need the citizens to speak up for their rights.

Isn’t it ridiculous that when you are arrested for a traffic offence, those who arrest you don’t have tickets they can issue? Why should you commit an offence in Lagos Island and be forced to drive to Ketu to get a referral to appear in Court? Why should you go from court at Oshodi to Ketu to pay your fine? In this Lagos where it takes an average of 2 to 3 hours to get to any particular destination!

Let me appeal to both our Judiciary and the Legislators to reconsider the Traffic Laws, look at its implementation, management, enforcement and prosecution. The fines are absurd and inhuman, the process of prosecution and adjudication is skewed and illegal – mostly violating all known principles of law and the constitution.

WE ARE THE PEOPLE. The government is there to serve us and not to lord it over us. If you are arrested for a traffic offence, make sure you take pictures or make videos of the area.

Do not resist arrest but insist on driving your own vehicle or to be taken to court immediately. Get in touch with the Office of the Public Defender (OPD). The OPD is available at the mobile courts as well.

You may also contact the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria or any Nigerian Bar Association Branch in Lagos State.

Copyright 2020 CITY LAWYER. Please send emails to citylawyermag@gmail.com. Join us on Facebook at https://web.facebook.com/City-Lawyer-Magazine-434937936684320 and on TWITTER at https://twitter.com/CityLawyerMag All materials available on this Website are protected by copyright, trade mark and other proprietary and intellectual property laws. You may not use any of our intellectual property rights without our express written consent or attribution to www.citylawyermag.com. However, you are permitted to print or save to your individual PC, tablet or storage extracts from this Website for your own personal non-commercial use. The views expressed in this article are entirely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect

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‘GADZAMA IS A JAUGGERNAUT,’ SAYS YAKUBU BAWA

The Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Jos Branch has described the NBA Security Agencies Relations Committee (NBA-SARC) Chairman, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama SAN as a juggernaut who transcends above everything noble.

Speaking yesterday while addressing members of the branch during their monthly general meeting, Bawa also hinted that the leading litigator is a crowd-puller when he said: “So many turned up for this meeting because they heard you were coming. I have never seen some faces since I became chairman of NBA Jos Branch, but I’m privileged to identify with them today because of you.”

Gadzama had visited the branch accompanied by a strong delegation and in continuation of his consultations in his quest for the presidency of the NBA.

Mr. Tobb Kekemeke, a long-term friend and ardent supporter of Gadzama, described him as “an astute Bar man who has given and is still giving to many in large and impressive quantum.” He noted that the monthly meeting was hosted by “Friends of J-K Gadzama SAN.”

Also speaking, a Governorship aspirant, Mr. G. S. Pwul, SAN expressed delight at the virtues embedded in the foremost arbitrator, noting that “he is a humble man, a man of integrity, a son of the soil.” He assured Gadzama of massive support from the branch in the run-up to the NBA Elections.

Responding, Gadzama thanked the Branch executives and members for the warm welcome, urging them to support his vision for the Bar. His words: “When I climb, I do not remove the ladder; I leave it there for others to climb because I stand on justice, equity, good conscience and what is right.” He concluded that the future is only successful when there are successful successors.

Gadzama was accompanied by Mr. Mela Audu Nunghe, SAN; Mr. Steve Abar; Mr. Ralph Monye; former NBA Jos Branch Chairman, Mr. I. Y. Karson; Mr. M. T. Hussaini; Mr. Stephen Lobani; Mr. H. A. Bulmen; Mr. Emmanuel Obateru; NBA Young Lawyers Forum, Bukuru Chairman, Mr. Simon Mom; Mr. Jacob Dawan; Mr. Zion Lashom; NBA Bukuru Branch Secretary, Mr. Chapo Daniel; NBA Bukuru Branch YLF Secretary, Mr. S. S. Obende; Mr. Jerry Musa Ombugadu, and Mr. Tengya Jochebed Habila.

Meanwhile, the NBA-SARC Chairman has also received a similar warm welcome at NBA Bukuru Branch.

The branch members welcomed the entourage with a standing ovation and rounds for applause “in recognition of the presence of a giant in the legal profession whose milk of kindness has flowed lavishingly on noble men and women of the legal profession and beyond,” a statement said.

In his response, Gadzama declared that dignity and respect for lawyers are virtues that should be upheld to the letter irrespective of seniority or rank in the legal profession. He urged the members to “keep the sanctity of NBA by walking in the footsteps of pace setters who have proven themselves over the years.”

The NBA Bukuru Branch YLF Chairman, Mr. Emmanuel Obateru pledged his support and that of his friends to the aspiration of the Bar Leader.

On his part, Mr. Fom Bot said: “I have been a supporter of Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN for more than 10 years. Wherever he goes, I will go. I pledge my support and promise to avail myself through the process till finish.”

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UGWUOKE LAUDS OSIGWE, MOGBO ON YOUNG LAWYERS’ WELFARE

An aspirant for the office of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Welfare Secretary, Mr. Ikechukwu Maximus Ugwuoke has commended Bar Leaders, Mazi Afam Osigwe SAN and Chief Anthony Mogbo SAN for their support for young lawyers.

Noting that some senior lawyers “are doing their best” to ameliorate the challenges facing young lawyers, Ugwuoke said: “I was delighted to learn of the recent opening of application for Afam Osigwe SAN Courtroom Mail Prize for Young Lawyers.

“I am also aware that earlier this year a member of the Inner Bar in Enugu, Mogbo SAN paid the practicing fees for all young lawyers from all the branches of NBA in Enugu State. Such gestures are highly encouraging to young lawyers.”

Describing the initiatives as “quite commendable,” the aspirant said that “More of such gestures are expected from very senior members of the Bar and more especially the Senior Advocates of Nigeria towards encouraging the young lawyers.”

He noted that the challenges that young lawyers face in legal practice are well known to all senior lawyers “many of who passed through same challenges in their early days of practice,” and said that “it is unfortunate that many successful senior lawyers tend to either forget to render assistances to young lawyers or concentrate only on the welfare of the young lawyers that are working under them.”

According to him, “The challenge of one young lawyer anywhere should be a thing of concern to all. The young lawyers of today are the senior lawyers of tomorrow and their welfare need to be taken care of so that they can realise their aspirations.

“Many young lawyers face situational challenges that make them veer off the track in a bid to survive. The kind of foundations laid for young lawyers will determine the kind of Senior Lawyers they would grow to become.

“Senior Lawyers in Nigeria by the special privilege they enjoy in the Bar are highly priced in the profession. By that privilege they handle most juicy briefs that make them financially viable. We know the legal profession is like a wine, it gets better as it gets older.”

Pointing the way forward, Ugwuoke said: “It would not be a bad idea for successful senior lawyers and members of the Inner Bar to set up a trust fund for the welfare of young lawyers. They could set out a specific sum of money that every successful senior is expected to be contributing to the trust fund annually as part of their support for the growth of the younger ones.

“Funds from such trust funds could be used to pay monthly stipends to all young lawyers of less than 7 years post call irrespective of their place of practice. This gesture will go a long way in cushioning the effect of the hardship young lawyers are subjected to. Some professions like the medical profession have a system that rewards their new entrants during their housemanship and internship programmes.”

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VACANCY FOR CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

WHO WE ARE
We are a membership-based service provider with a global growth trajectory. We continue to add features and services to meet the professional and career needs of our members.

In doing so, we are upgrading our services to reflect industry changes, as we strengthen our relationship with related professional bodies in a fast-paced digital business environment.

We are seeking for a compassionate, result and market-oriented person to fill the position of Chief Executive Officer. The ideal candidate will drive the outfit to achieve the above goals.

REQUIREMENTS
The ideal candidate must

a. Possess a degree either in Law, Quantity surveying, Architecture or Engineering. A Master’s degree in any other discipline will be an added advantage.

b. Not have less than 15 years cognate experience and not less than 10 years in a senior management position.

c. Have a good knowledge of the use of ADR as well as ICT marketing tools.

The organisation is an equal opportunity employer.

REMUNERATION
Competitive and performance based.

APPLY
To apply, please email legaljobs77@gmail.com

DEADLINE
All applications must be received on or before May 20, 2022.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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ANXIETY, AS ECNBA CONSULTANT IN CONTROVERSIAL 2018 ELECTION ‘RETURNS’

There are concerns in legal circles following revelation by the Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (ECNBA) that one of the applicants for the crucial role of “Technical Support Consultant” (TSC) played the same role in the controversial 2018 NBA Elections.

The ECNBA had in a Public Notice yesterday urged NBA stakeholders to comment on the suitability of two leading ICT firms seeking to fill the role of ECNBA Technical Consultant. The two companies are Finesse Integrated Technologies Limited and Thriveonus Limited, both Abuja based ICT companies.

While reeling out its numerous operations especially in the legal sector, Finesse Integrated Technologies Limited wrote: “NBA – Technical Consultant to the ECNBA for the 2018 NBA general elections.” This is aside from other jobs done for the Supreme Court of Nigeria, Court of Appeal, National Judicial Institute (NJI) and the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) in an otherwise rich resume.

CITY LAWYER investigation however shows that the 2018 NBA Elections remains one of the most controversial in the history of the lawyers’ association. Following a CITY LAWYER exclusive report showing that former NBA President, Mr. Paul Usoro SAN – who was one of the presidential candidates in the election – was equally a non-Executive Director at Access Bank Plc alongside Dr. (Mrs.) Ajoritsedere Josephine Awosika, the pioneer female Chairman of CHAMS hired as ICT Partner to midwife the election, this set off a chain of events that took the election beyond the July deadline stipulated by the NBA Constitution.

Current ECNBA member and former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Prof. Chidi Odinkalu referred to the debacle when he wrote: “Under the constitution of the association, the ballot was to have concluded before the end of July. A cocktail of implausible cock-ups had conspired to defer the completion of the ballot by three weeks beyond the constitutionally permissible date.”

Passing a judgement on the 2018 NBA Elections, the fiery human rights activist wrote: “The figures announced by the ECNBA suggested a very spirited contest. In reality, the outcome was pre-determined. The ECNBA and the NBA leadership of AB Mahmoud SAN had presided over the most willfully manipulated ballot in the history of the association.” While Usoro emerged victorious with 4,509 votes, Chief Arthur Obi-Okafor SAN and former Deputy Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, Prof. Ernest Ojukwu SAN polled 4, 423 and 3, 313 votes respectively.

Odinkalu observed that the process leading to the engagement of CRENET, a new election data service provider, was shrouded in secrecy, adding: “One phone number in particular, 0807 410 7787 accounted for 41 voters; 0810 642 1702 accounted for 32 voters, while 0806 402 8401 accounted for 18. Between them, these three numbers alone accounted for 91 votes, that is six votes more than the announced margin of 86 votes between the declared winner and the runner up.”

This would later ground prosecution of two lawyers by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) following a petition by Obi-Okafor. In the August 28, 2018 petition presented by the ICT Team Lead for his campaign organization, Mr. Olumuyiwa Olowokure, it said: “The NBA 2018 National Elections which held from August 18 to 20, 2018 has been mired in controversy following complaints of gross irregularities characterised by theft of members’ identities and data, internet fraud, interference/manipulation of the online portal … parties connived to fraudulently manipulate the electoral process to achieve a predetermined outcome.”

The EFCC in the suit marked FHC/L/118c/2020 and signed by its counsel, Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo, alleged that the accused persons altered 1004 eligible voters’ personal details and cast votes for the former NBA president by impersonating voters through fraudulently using the Supreme Court Enrolment Numbers of some lawyers.

While CHAMS and CRENET were in the eye of the storm for the alleged fraud that enveloped the election, Finesse Integrated Technologies Limited seems to have been in the shadows. The process leading to its appointment as ECNBA’s Technical Consultant as well as the exact role it played during the 2018 NBA Election seem to be mired in mystery. Given that the ECNBA was decidedly silent on its involvement in the 2018 Election, it was not until yesterday that it announced its participation in the controversial election.

Said Odinkalu: “In the end, a voting process that was supposed to be seamless suffered at least eight deferrals and one suspension. Every stage in the process was tortured.”

Ojukwu also had only harsh words for the conduct of the election. He denounced the election as having been characterized by “massive vote buying, vote capture, rigging and a skewed process.”

The uproar that greeted the 2018 election as well as the one before and after it compelled the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN) to set up a five-man committee to work with the NBA to review the 2018 and 2020 elections. Members of the committee were Chief Joe Kyari-Gadzama, SAN; Mr. Osaro Eghobamien, SAN; Chief Yomi Aliu, SAN; Prof. Offornze Amucheazi, SAN, and Mr. Ebun Olu-Adegboruwa, SAN.

Former NBA President and Chairman of its Board of Trustees, Dr. Olisa Agbakoba, SAN said of the electoral audit: “It is very good to review the electoral process of NBA, which is exactly what we, the Trustees recommended.” The BOSAN Committee soon became troubled itself, with the resignation of some of its members including Gadzama.

Following his commitment in his inaugural address to review the association’s electoral process and bequeath a flawless electoral system to the lawyers’ body, NBA President, Mr. Olumide Akpata on September 30, 2020 set up the Mr. Ayodele Akintunde SAN-led “Electoral Reform and Audit Committee.” One of the committee’s terms of reference was “To audit the elections of National Officers of the NBA of 2016, 2018 and 2020 and recommend reforms (if any) of the electoral process.” Aside from submitting a detailed report on the malfeasance that bedeviled past NBA Elections, the mantle again fell on Akintunde to walk the talk by implementing his committee’s recommendations geared towards a free, fair and credible NBA Election.

Attempts by CITY LAWYER to reach Finesse Integrated Technologies Limited on its role in the 2018 NBA Elections proved abortive. Though one Ruth Isaac told CITY LAWYER that the company’s Managing Director and Chief Executive, Mr. Akintomide Akinwolere would respond timeously to our enquiries, he was yet to do so at press time.

According to the “Request for Proposal For Technical Support Consultant to the ECNBA” dated April 11, 2022 the all-important role of the Technical Support Consultant was spelt out as follows: “The TSC shall be responsible for providing the requisite consulting and advisory services necessary to attain the goal established by the ECNBA for the Project. Specifically, the TSC shall play key roles in the following areas:

1. Member Identity & Database (Technical Assistance):
(a) Collect, review and certify as adequate and fit for purpose, an approximately 50,000– 60,000 member-rich database, and transform same into a Register of Voters in an integration ready format for use with any standard Election Management System (EMS); and

(b) Propose a multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) protocol to govern the identification and verification of members on the EMS to be deployed for the Project.

2. ICT Service Provider (“Service Provider”):
(a) Develop the technical requirements and the ECNBA’s criteria for engaging the Service Provider that will deploy the EMS;

(b) Support the ECNBA in developing the requisite RFP for the selection process and subsequent negotiations between the qualified, experienced, skilled, and selected Service Provider; and

(c) Outline the deliverables that will be incorporated in the Service Level Agreement (SLA) and Operational Level Agreement (OLA) that will govern the performance and operations of the EMS services by the Service Provider.

3. Stakeholder Support:
(a) Support the ECNBA in its voter sensitization and enlightenment outreach by producing materials, including Q&A’s, for publication on the Project website or distribution to members, and to attend the ECNBA branch or regional stakeholder programs physically (or virtually), to respond to technical issues raised by members;

(b) Conduct trainings for members (virtually or physically) on any aspect of the electoral process, including voter registration and certification as well as login and logout protocol of the EMS; and

(c) Set up and operate a Technical Support Centre, including 24/7 Call Centre from the commencement and throughout the election period, to assist members on any technical issues relating to access, login, or logout process on the EMS.

4. Tests, Audits & Reports:
(a) Conduct a system and software testing to ensure that the EMS is implementing the latest, modern technology and solutions;

(b) Conduct functionality testing to ensure that the EMS delivers on all the functional requirements and specifications stipulated by the ECNBA;

(c) Conduct vulnerability testing to identify any vulnerability or threat to which the system might be exposed, assign severity levels to threats found, and propose remediation or mitigation; and

(d) Perform process audit of the EMS, monitor elections real time, and carry out postelection audit and produce all relevant reports required by the ECNBA.

According to the approved ECNBA Budget, the Technical Support Consultant is to earn N15 Million for its services.

It remains to be seen the exact role played by Finesse Integrated Technologies Limited in the NBA 2018 Elections saga.

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ECNBA PEGS TOMORROW FOR COMPLAINTS ON TSC APPLICANTS

The Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (ECNBA) has called for complaints against two firms that have applied to be Technical Support Consultant to the committee.

In a Notice released today, the electoral committee stated: “We wish to invite any member of the Association who has any reason why the foregoing entities should not be engaged as Technical Support Consultant by the ECNBA, to contact us by email(info@ecnba.ng) with all relevant fact in that regard by or before 11:59pm Wednesday, 27 April 2022.”

The two firms that have applied to play the role of Technical Support Consultant are Finesse Integrated Technologies Limited and Thriveonus Limited.

The notice was signed by ECNBA Chairman and Secretary, Mr. Ayodele Akintunde SAN and Ms. Mabel Ekeke.

ECNBA_TSC

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NBA-SPIDEL: EARLY BIRD WINDOW FOR SOKOTO CONFAB ENDS SOON

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has urged lawyers and the general public to ensure that they use the Early Bird window to register for the eagerly awaited NBA Section on Public Interest and Development Law (SPIDEL) Annual Conference.

In a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Dr. Rapulu Nduka, the NBA stated that lawyers are “specially invited to participate” in the NBA-SPIDEL Annual Conference scheduled to hold in Sokoto, urging prospective participants to “Kindly register through this link https://nbaspidel.ng/nba-spidel-conference-2022/.”

The notice observed that Early Bird registration will end on the May 2, 2022, adding: “Be assured that the topics of discourse, array of speakers, and secured serene environment will make this year’s NBA-SPIDEL conference an exciting one.”

Meanwhile, many lawyers who have registered for the conference have taken to their social media handles to excitedly announce their participation.

Below is the full text of the NBA statement.

2022 NBA SECTION ON PUBLIC INTEREST AND DEVELOPMENT LAW ANNUAL CONFERENCE: INVITATION TO PARTICIPATE

Dear Colleagues,

You are specially invited to participate in the Annual Conference of the Section on Public Interest and Development Law of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA-SPIDEL), which will take place from the 22nd -26th May 2022 at the Sokoto Conference Centre, Sokoto, Sokoto State. The theme of the conference is “Rule of Law and Democratic Evolution in Nigeria.”

Kindly register through this link https://nbaspidel.ng/nba-spidel-conference-2022/

Kindly note that early bird registration will end on the 2nd day of May 2022.

For more information on the various sub-topics for discourse, array of speakers, list of topclass hotels at discounted rates, tourist attractions, membership information etc., kindly visit www.nbaspidel.ng

Be assured that the topics of discourse, array of speakers, and secured serene environment will make this year’s NBA-SPIDEL conference an exciting one.

Dr. Rapulu Nduka
Publicity Secretary,
Nigerian Bar Association

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SUPREME COURT JURIST, OGAH, KALU, BAR LEADERS BID PA UBANI FAREWELL

It was a roll-call of ‘Who is who’ in the Bar, Bench and political sphere at the burial ceremony for Pa Ubani Egbedubi Nwokocha, the father of Nigerian Bar Association Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL) Chairman, Dr. Monday Ubani.

The late patriarch of the Ubani Dynasty was interred at the weekend in his home town in Umuosoko Awomukwu, Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State.

Among those that witnessed the ground-breaking funeral rite were Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Uche Ogah; Justice Inyang Okoro of the Supreme Court; Chief Judge of Abia State, Justice Onuoha Ogwe; Speaker of Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chinedum Orji; Abia State Attorney-General & Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Uche Ihediwa; former Minister of State for Defence, retired Col. Austin Akobundu, and Rear Admiral Ralph Osondu (rtd.).

The Bar was fully represented with the presence of African Bar Association (ABA) President, Mr. Hannibal Uwaifo; NBA General Secretary Joyce Oduah; NBA Security Agencies Relations Committee Chairman, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama SAN; NBA Welfare Committee Chairman, Mr. Yakubu Maikyau SAN; former NBA General Secretary, Mr. Jonathan Gunu Taidi; his counterpart, Mazi Afam Osigwe SAN; former NBA Lagos Chairman, Mr. Chukwuka Ikwuazom SAN; Mr. Emeka Ozoani SAN; former Attorney-General of Abia State, Mr. Okey Amaechi SAN; Dr. S. E. C. Nwosu, outgoing NBA Ukwa Branch Chairman; former Governor of Eastern Bar Forum (EBF), Mr. Soseipriye Long-Williams; current EBF Governor, Mr. Uba Anene; Mr. Ebitu Akpadiaha and Mr. Afam Ofomata.

Others are Messrs Desmond Yamah, Adesina Adegbite, Ede Asenoguan, Victor Nwaugo (former NBA Legal Adviser), Kelvin Ejelonu, Chukwuemeka Mbamala, Clement Chukwuemeka, Damian Nosike, Jude Ezegwui, Ogaga Emoghwanre, Daniel Kip, Felix Ashimole, Charles Ajiboye, Okey Ohagba (dubbed as the “Chief Event Planner”), Mrs. Linda Bala, Funmi Adeogun, EBF council members, and Otu Oka-Iwu members among many others.

Also not left out were the member representing Ikwuano State Constituency at the Abia House of Assembly, Hon. Stanley Nwabuisi; Ikwuano Local Government Chairman, Chief Stephen Mpamugo; HRM Eze Dr. Ndimele, Chairman Ikwuano Traditional Rulers Council; Chief Henry Ikoh, Senator Nkechi Nwaogu, Hon. Acho Obioma; Assemblies of God Ministers and especially the leaders and members of the Assemblies of God, Ikeja where Dr. Ubani worships among many others.

In his tribute, Ogah stated that late Pa Ubani lived a fulfilled life and left many good legacies, “including my good friend and brother, Dr. Monday Ubani who is known to be a voice for voiceless Nigerian masses.” He eulogized Ubani for being a true son of his late father.

He said that his presence was to show solidarity and mourn with Ubani given the close bond that exists between him and the NBA-SPIDEL Chairman. He extolled the NBA-SPIDEL chieftain for his immense contributions to the development of the country.

On his part, the Senate Chief Whip, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (Abia North) described ‘Egoro’ as one that stamped indelible footprint in the sands of time. His words: “While death at any age is sad, we are however consoled by the fact that he lived a fulfilled life as a loving husband, caring father, community leader, devout Christian and philanthropist.”

Senator Nkechi Nwaogu enjoined the Chief Mourner to take comfort in knowing that late Pa Ubani is resting in the arms of the Lord. She said: “Though his death obviously has created a big vacuum in the family but be strongly consoled by the fact that he lived a fulfilled life.”

Rep. Sam Onuigbo stated that “Egoro Oti must have transitioned to eternal glory with a smile on his face and a heart full of joy and pride,” even as the former Superintendent of Assemblies of God Nigeria, Rev. Dr. Chidi Okoroafor enjoined the congregation to live a life with eternity in mind.

Speaking to newsmen shortly after the interment of the late Patriarch, the first and only son of Late Pa Egbedubi, Dr. Monday Ubani expressed joy over the large turnout of people at the event. His words: “I’m amazed by the large turnout of personalities – the religious, politicians, lawyers etc.” He said that his father’s act of philanthropy taught him that one does not need to be a multi-millionaire before he or she can help those in need. He said: “Even in my father’s low state, he was able to help those in need. The culture of philanthropy, culture of kindness, culture of good heart were part of what my father represented…”

Dr. Ubani thanked everyone who contributed in one way or the order to the success of the burial of his late father.

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LAWYER ASKS OONI TO REFUND CLIENTS’ N12M OVER FAILED PROPERTY DEAL

A human rights activist and the Lead Partner at Newworth LLP, Mr. Ayo Ademiluyi has urged the Ooni of Ife, His Royal Majesty, Ooni Enitan Ogunwusi to “direct the refund of the amount owed our clients with interest which has accumulated over the years as our clients are going through hardships.”

In a press statement made available to CITY LAWYER, Ademiluyi whose law firm are solicitors to the alleged victims of the failed property deal, said that Noel Unekwu Abdullahi and Onyeji Johnbosco were approached by a limited liability company, Gran Imperio, a real estate company sometime in 2015 to buy 3 bedroom apartment at Golden Park Estate, Lekki for N20 million respectively.

According to the statement, “NOEL paid the 6.139,800 million naira while JOHNBOSCO paid 6million naira. After several months of waiting, nothing was built. The duo wrote to the Company to refund their money but to no avail.”

Below is the full text of the statement.

HIS ROYAL MAJESTY, OONI ENITAN OGUNWUSI, OONI OF IFE SHOULD REFUND FUNDS OF DUO OF NOEL UNEKWU ABDULLAHI AND ONYEJI JOHNBOSCO

BEING TEXT OF A PRESS CONFERENCE HELD AT NEWWORTH LLP, 17, AJASA STREET, LAGOS ISLAND, LAGOS STATE ON THURSDAY, 21ST APRIL, 2022

We are Solicitors to the duo of NOEL UNEKWU ABDULLAHI and ONYEJI JOHNBOSCO (“our clients”) .

The instructions of our clients are that a limited liability company, Gran Imperio, a real estate company approached NOEL and JOHNBOSCO, sometime in 2015 to buy 3 bedroom apartment at Golden Park Estate, Lekki for 20 million naira, respectively.

The Company agreed that they pay in tranches starting with 6million each, as first deposit while they construct the apartment in phases as well and within a given time frame.

NOEL paid the 6.139,800 million naira while JOHNBOSCO paid 6million naira. After several months of waiting, nothing was built. The duo wrote to the Company to refund their money but to no avail.

We conducted a search of Gran Imperio Limited and Metropole Interprojects Limited, we found out that the person of OONIRISA ADEYEYE ENITAN OGUNWUSI is a Director in both companies .

The previous Counsel to our clients contacted the lawyer to the Gran Imperio Group of Companies named Lanre Jolaoso Esq., who afforded the previous Counsel the new Manager’s number, Mr Akin.

Yet, despite correspondences and calls by the previous Counsel with Manager, it has not yielded any fruit since 2020.

The previous counsel sent correspondences to the Palace through UPS courier and through a friend who traveled all the way from Lagos and to the Palace to serve demand notice to his majesty along with an application letter see his majesty.

Equally, calls made by the previous Counsel to the Palace Secretary on same, yielded no fruit whatsoever and howsoever.

We are constrained to make a dispassionate appeal to the esteemed Ooni of Ife, OONIRISA ADEYEYE ENITAN OGUNWUSI as a Director in these companies to direct the refund of the amount owed our clients with interest which has accumulated over the years as our clients are going through hardships.

AYO ADEMILUYI ESQ.
Lead Partner,
Newworth LLP

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MBAMALA LAUDS CATHOLIC MOTHERS, MOURNS PA UBANI

Former Nigerian Bar Assocaition (NBA) Assistant Publicity Secretary, Mr. Chukwuemeka Mbamala has hailed Catholic mothers on the occasion of their Mothering Sunday.

Describing mothers as “golden,” Mbamala, who is believed to be eyeing the post of Welfare Secretary in the forthcoming NBA Elections scheduled for July 16, 2022 also extended his felicitations to “all mothers in our beloved Legal profession, FIDA, AWLA, NBA Women group,” adding that “you are specially loved and cherished, you are unique and you are priceless.”

He also gave his condolence message to the Chairman of NBA Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA- SPIDEL), Dr. Monday Ubani on the death of his father, Pa Ubani Egbedubi Nwokocha.

Below are the statements made available to CITY LAWYER.

MBAMALA FELICITATES WITH CATHOLIC MOTHERS AND MOTHERS ON THE SPECIAL OCASSION OF MOTHERING SUNDAY:
Being a mother is one of the most important roles a woman can ever play. Mothers play a huge role in their children’s lives, caring for them, loving them, teaching them, and so much more. The way a child develops can be largely attributed to the role that their parents and caregivers play in their lives.

Children thrive when they have a secure and positive relationship with people, especially their parents. Mothers are the child’s window of learning which will impact their growing years. Mother’s relationship with her child is crucial. A mother plays multiple roles in a child’s development, as she is a teacher in every aspect of a child’s developmental growth – social emotional, physical, cognitive and independence. As a man I still see myself as a husband and a Child to my mother.

Mothers are precious, mothers are golden.
To all the mothers out there I extend my love to you today and say we all cherish you.

To all mothers in our beloved Legal profession, FIDA AWLA NBA Women group you are specially loved and cherished, you are unique and you are priceless.

May you live long to enjoy the labours of love and the reward sacrifices that you make as mothers.

Happy Mothers day!!!

Chukwuemeka Mbamala, Esq

CHUKWUEMEKA MBAMALA, NBA PAST ASSISTANT PUBLICITY SEC. COMMISERATE WITH MOU AND THE UBANI FAMILY ON THE LOSS OF THEIR FATHER PA NWOKEOCHA:

I wish to commiserate with Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA- SPIDEL), Dr Monday Ubani and the entire Nwokocha family for the loss of their father, Pa. Ubani Egbedubi Nwokocha.

It is not in doubt that the death of a loved one creates a void and vacuum which only God, the eternal creator can fill. It is my prayer that God Almighty will continue to uphold our dear Dr. Monday Ubani and the entire family in this moment of grief.

I also wish to pray that God will grant journey mercies to all friends and associates of Dr. Ubani who will be travelling to Abia State for the burial ceremony. Particularly, I wish the leadership of the NBA, elders of the Bar and my dear colleagues from across the country safe trip to and from Abia State.

May the soul of Pa. Ubani Egbedubi Nwokocha find eternal rest in the bosom of our Lord Almighty. Amen.

Chukwuemeka Mbamala, Esq.

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GADZAMA VISITS ABA BRANCH, CHALLENGES ASPIRANTS ON BAR ACTIVISM RECORD

A leading aspirant in the race for the presidency of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama SAN has urged lawyers to enquire into the Bar activism records of aspirants seeking offices in the forthcoming NBA Elections.

Speaking to NBA Aba Branch members at the weekend, Gadzama said: “When people tell you they want to be stakeholders in the NBA or hold leadership positions, ask them one question – ‘What have you been doing in the last ten to twenty years for young lawyers?’ “

Hinting that promises are good but past records of activism are better, the NBA Security Agencies Relations Committee (NBA-SARC) Chairman who holds the chieftaincy title of “Okwuluora of Ukpo” in Anambra State reiterated the competency of his candidature.

Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the Occasion, Mr. Ukpai Ukairo said that Gadzama “had been and still is a functional part of the Aba Branch of the NBA.” He urged all members of the branch to support the mandate of the NBA as engineered by the leading litigator “who has been the foremost Bar Leader to institute and maintain a formidable structure for building and mentoring young lawyers.”

Ukairo stated that Gadzama, a chartered arbitrator, spearheaded the process of changing the nomenclature of new wigs from “Junior Lawyers” to “Young Lawyers” on the basis that the term “Junior” was demeaning and less dignifying for persons who had met the requirements and attained the enviable and revered status of solicitors and advocates of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

Ukairo added that Gadzama had always worked and identified with lawyers from the Eastern Bar, saying that “Over fifty percent of the workforce in his office have been from the Eastern Bar. He is our brother, friend and colleague. Let us support him wholeheartedly and ensure that he achieves his mandate of leading the NBA to higher heights.”

The event which held at the NBA Aba Bar Centre, High Court Complex, Aba saw Gadzama being received by the Elders, Executives and Members of the branch “who referred to him as their very own son, friend and kinsman by association.”

While the event started with prayers and reading of Gadzama’s abridged profile by Mr. C. K. Anyanwu, it ended with a question and answer session and a buffet.

Among members of the branch who were on hand to receive the Bar Leader were the Branch Chairman, Mr. Betram Faotu; Mr. Chinedu Nwaozuzu (Branch Secretary); Ukairo; Mr. C. C. Elele (former NBA Aba Branch Chairman and Gadzama’s classmate in Nigerian Law School Class of 1986), and Mr. Uche Awa, SAN (Chairman, Old Bende Association).

On his part, Gadzama was accompanied on the visit by Mr. Chukwuma Ezeala (President, National Association of Catholic Lawyers, NACL), Sir Victor Nwaugo and Mrs. Chioma Ferguson.

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UNVEILING OSAYAMON, AKPATA’S HARVARD-TRAINED BRIDE

That the legal profession is set to witness an epic wedding is no longer in doubt. This came on the heels of the announcement that the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President, Mr. Olumide Akpata will next month put an official imprimatur to the relationship with his longstanding partner, Miss Osayamon Ogbebor.

In light of the keen interest on the love-birds especially among lawyers since news of the impending nuptials broke, CITY LAWYER launched an investigation into the personality of the lady that has held the NBA President’s attention for what close aides say has been ‘a very long time.’

Born Osayamon Michelle May Ogbebor into the influential Ogbebor Family of Bini Kingdom, the beautiful bride is a top executive and the Financial Markets Legal Adviser at the Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) Plc. The CSCS is Nigeria’s central securities directory licensed to carry on depository, clearing and settlement of all transactions in the Nigerian Capital Market. The legal expert has served in the Legal, Company Secretariat and Compliance Services Directorate for almost three years.

Osayamon received a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Essex. She then proceeded to the prestigious Queen Mary University of London from where she earned a Master of Laws (LLM) degree in December 2017. More recently in March 2022, Osayamon successfully completed a virtual course on “Sustainable Business Strategy” at the Harvard Business School. Unsurprisingly, she is a member of the Harvard Business School Online: Sustainable Business Strategy, February 2022 Group among others.

It is recalled that Akpata had in a trending SAVE THE DATE flier stated that he popped the question “after a bit of dithering” and his partner said “Yes!”

While the traditional marriage is scheduled to hold according to Bini native custom in the spouse’s compound at Ekenwan Road, Benin, Edo State on May 14, 2022 the reception holds at Air Force Military Base, Airport Road, Benin, Edo State.

Meanwhile, the couple will be joined in holy matrimony on October 2, 2022 in far-away Mauritius. CITY LAWYER gathered that this may be a strategy to manage the huge number of guests that would otherwise have attended the wedding if held in Nigeria.

Said Akpata: “Our Families, having now been formally introduced and the necessary consultations having taken place, we are pleased to announce the details of our Wedding nuptials ….” He urged friends and well-wishers to “Please keep Osayamon and me in your prayers even as you make your plans to share in these special moments with us.”

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Comments Off on PETITION: ‘ECNBA WILL CLEAR ME OF ALL CHARGES,’ SAYS OGBAH

PETITION: ‘ECNBA WILL CLEAR ME OF ALL CHARGES,’ SAYS OGBAH

Former Chairman of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Ota Branch, Mr. Isaac Omuta Ogbah has expressed confidence that the Electoral Committee of the NBA (ECNBA) will dismiss the petition written against him by an Abuja based senior lawyer.

Mr. Uche Amulu had in a petition to ECNBA urged the electoral committee to bar Ogbah from participating in the forthcoming NBA Elections. Ogbah is gunning for the post of NBA Third Vice President.

Amulu alleged that Ogbah engaged in “anti-Bar, in fact anti-lawyerly (sic), activities as he is not fit to be part of us, let alone leading the Bar,” adding that “Isaac Ogbah notoriously abuses the judicial process by a wanton mix of police oppression and running for cover using police prosecutorial powers as provided by law. He cannot be allowed to lead the Bar, as the damages he will cause with any little position are better imagined than felt.”

But in a rejoinder to the CITY LAWYER report, Ogbah urged the “general public, my friends and well wishers to disregard this libelous petition now written by the same Uche Amulu of counsel.”

Placing his confidence in the electoral committee, the Bar Leader said in the rejoinder made available to CITY LAWYER: “I have no doubt that members of the ECNBA, who are men and women of impeccable integrity and character, upon reviewing the whole facts of the case will find nothing against me and would certainly clear and certify me as fit and proper to contest as one of the candidates for the post of 3rd Vice President of the NBA.”

Noting that he “was never copied nor have I been served a copy of the said Petition either by the Petitioner or by ECNBA,” the aspirant assured that he would “take appropriate steps to respond to same officially and make copies of my response to ECNBA formally in the coming days.”

The former branch chairman stated that contrary to Amulu’s allegations, there was “a formal Police Report issued in our favor clearly exonerating us of ever committing any offence known to law,” adding that “upon the conclusion of the investigative activities by the DIG’s office whether or not there was in fact any alleged offences of armed robbery, kidnapping, stealing and armed robbery as alleged by the same Uche Amulu of counsel, the Legal Advise was to the effect that Uche Amulu, Celestine Eze and His company be prosecuted for deliberately writing a false petition alleging the above named offences, when they knew was never committed.”

He said the suspects “including the aforesaid Uche Amulu of Counsel are now standing trail (sic) before the FCT Magistrate court and for which I have given my evidence in chief and with the same Uche Amulu himself having personally commenced his Cross-Examination personally and the matter adjourned to 11th May, 2022 for continuation of hearing.”

Saying that he has briefed his solicitors “to take appropriate legal steps to address the Petition in issue and make necessary demands from the law firm cum author of the petition,” Ogbah noted that there is also a civil libel suit pending against Amulu and 2 others which comes up for trial on April 26, 2022 “regarding his libelous publications he had previously made against my person and that of my clients. Hence everyone can, in their own wisdom, judge and or make their own personal opinion as to why this petition has been written and the intent it is meant to serve.”

Below is the full text of Ogbah’s rejoinder.

Today, Saturday the 23rd day of April, 2022, my attention was drawn to a Petition written by the Law Firm of Greys & Acquisition Legal Practitioners and authored by one Mr. Uche Amulu, a legal practitioner wherein he alleged several defamatory things against my person and requested that I be disqualified by the ECNBA from contesting the position of the 3rd Vice President of the NBA.

Unfortunately I was never copied nor have I been served a copy of the said Petition either by the Petitioner or by ECNBA.

While I will take appropriate steps to respond to same officially and make copies of my response to ECNBA formally in the coming days, since the said libelous petition is now being circulated by the authors of the Petition and several Press Media outlets are reaching across to me so as to get my response, I am now constrained to respond as below so as to set the records straight

1. Sequel to the unlawful infringement of our Client’s registered Trademarks by some persons we were instructed to write a Formal Petition to the Police Authorities and who in their wisdom and acting under relevant powers conferred on them by law thought it fit to investigate same.

In the course of their investigative activities 2 suspects were arrested and incriminating products evidencing their criminal activities of infringing our clients’ registered trademark taken into custody by the investigation Police officers after the suspects had been granted bail.

2. Whereas the arrested suspects secured the services of reputable lawyers based in Lagos and Abuja to represent them, with one of such lawyers being a well known and renowned Senior Advocate of Nigeria 🇳🇬, attempts made by the suspects as well as their legal representatives to have the matter resolved out of court not yielding the desired results one Uche Amulu, also a lawyer, and who being very much seised of the facts of the case but who with intent to achieve whatever sinister motives of his, resorted to intentionally twist the facts of the case by writing a Petition to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) wherein he intentionally and falsely alleged that his clients, while traveling from Port Harcourt to Onitsha, were attacked by a group of about 7 armed robbers, who attacked and robbed them of their goods and personal effects as well stabbed and shot them with guns and also in the process kidnapped them until they were later released

3. They also alleged in their Petition that one of the phones alleged to have been stolen were tracked and found to be in our custody and as a result of the above said Petition the Inspector General of Police (IGP) directed that the IRT unit of the Police should carry out a discrete investigation of the said Petition, leading to my being arrested alongside one of my revered Client.

4. Upon the eventual investigative activities carried out by the various Police authorities that were involved in the whole process, below were the outcome of same, to wit:*

A. The IRT office concluded their investigation with the conclusion that none of the alleged offenses was ever committed by myself nor my clients as alleged by the Petitioners.

B. Consequently a formal Police Report issued in our favor clearly exonerating us of ever committing any offence known to law.

C. The office of the AIG Maritime also concluded their investigative activities and a formal legal advise issued to the effect that the suspects engaged in the unlawful infringement of my Client’s registered trademarks be prosecuted. They are presently standing trial before Court 6 of the Federal High Court sitting one Port Harcourt.

D. Also upon the conclusion of the investigative activities by the DIG’s office whether or not there was in fact any alleged offences of armed robbery, kidnapping, stealing and armed robbery as alleged by the same Uche Amulu of counsel, the Legal Advise was to the effect that Uche Amulu, Celestine Eze and His company be prosecuted for deliberately writing a false petition alleging the above named offences, when they knew was never committed.

All the suspects involved, including the aforesaid Uche Amulu of Counsel are now standing trail before the FCT Magistrate court and for which I have given my evidence in chief and with the same Uche Amulu himself having personally commenced his Cross-Examination personally and the matter adjourned to 11th May, 2022 for continuation of hearing.

It is also worthy of note that there is presently a civil suit of libel pending against Uche Amulu and 2 others and which comes up for trail on Tuesday, 26th April, 2022 regarding his libelous publications he had previously made against my person and that of my clients. Hence everyone can, in their own wisdom, judge and or make their own personal opinion as to why this petition has been written and the intent it is meant to serve.

I therefore sincerely urge the general public, my friends and well wishers to disregard this libelous petition now written by the same Uche Amulu of counsel. I have no doubt that members of the ECNBA, who are men and women of impeccable integrity and character, upon reviewing the whole facts of the case will find nothing against me and would certainly clear and certify me as fit and proper to contest as one of the candidates for the post of 3rd Vice President of the NBA.

Meanwhile I have briefed my solicitors to take appropriate legal steps to address the Petition in issue and make necessary demands from the law firm cum author of the petition and in the event of their unwillingness to retract and withdraw the libelous contents of the Petition now being published and circulating globally we will definitely seek legal redress from the law courts.

Once again, I remain yours and yours always.

Isaac Omuta Ogbah, FICMC

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Comments Off on LAWYER PETITIONS ECNBA, WANTS 3RD VP ASPIRANT ‘DISQUALIFIED IMMEDIATELY’

LAWYER PETITIONS ECNBA, WANTS 3RD VP ASPIRANT ‘DISQUALIFIED IMMEDIATELY’

• OGBAH VISITING AFAM OSIGWE GROUSE ON ME – PETITIONER
• ECNBA HAS NOT SERVED ME WITH PETITION – OGBAH

• ‘BE PATIENT,’ SAYS ECNBA

An Abuja-based lawyer, Mr. Uche Amulu has petitioned the Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (ECNBA) urging it to “immediately disqualify” former NBA Ota Branch Chairman, Mr. Isaac Ogbah from participating in the forthcoming NBA Elections. Ogbah is vying for the post of Third Vice President.

In the petition obtained by CITY LAWYER, the senior lawyer pleaded with the electoral committee as follows: “I humbly urge the Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association to IMMEDIATELY DISQUALIFY Mr. Isaac Omuta Ogbah from participating in the forthcoming elections for anti-Bar, in fact anti-lawyerly (sic), activities as he is not fit to be part of us, let alone leading the Bar.”

When CITY LAWYER contacted Ogbah on the petition, he expressed surprise, saying: “Wow!!! This lawyer is at it again. Unfortunately, I was never served nor copied. Thanks for availing me this copy. (I) Will study same and revert as soon as possible.”

Also, when CITY LAWYER asked whether the ECNBA has arrived at a decision on the petition, its Chairman, Mr. Ayodele Akintunde SAN urged “patience.”

Continuing, the apparently aggrieved petitioner said: “Our Bar needs to be weaned of charlatans and there is no better time than now, if we intend to keep working with and maintaining the mantra of promoting the rule of law.”

Dated April 16, 2022 and titled “Petition against the qualification of Mr. Isaac Omuta Ogbah to run for the office of the Third Vice President of the Nigerian Bar Association: Lawyers Beware!!!” the petition was received by the electoral committee on 22nd April, 2022.

Dwelling on the kernel of his petition, Amulu said that he “partnered with the law firm of Greys & Acquisitions, a law firm based in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja at some point between 2019 and 2020. While in the partnership, a client was referred to the law firm from Anambra State who informed us of how his 40 ft container containing super glues he imported from China was hijacked and confiscated in most inglorious and Gestapo act of brigandage by unidentified persons, suspecting kidnapping and armed robbery, and briefed us to write the Inspector-General of Police for a discreet investigation of the case. That I did and without more.”

In a damning allegation, Amulu stated that “Upon police investigation, it was gathered that the acts complained of were carried out by Mr. Isaac Ogbah in collusion with police officers attached to the AIG Maritime Division, Lagos. It was further gathered that the goods of our client, Celez Global Resources Limited, were unlawfully hijacked and seized by the police officers in most inglorious means at the instance of Mr. Isaac Ogbah who was being overzealous in the representation of clients who was (sic) not even aware of the heinous steps he was taking on their behalf.”

Turning to perhaps his main grouse against the aspirant, the senior lawyer alleged that “In an apparent bid to cover up his heinous extra-legal cahoots with the police, Isaac Ogbah turns around to claim that I gave false information to the police and defamed his personality and instituted a civil matter against me in Suit No: Cv/3120/2022 before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, sitting in Gudu, Abuja.”

Continuing, he said that the Bar Leader wrote two more petitions against him to the police “over the same set of facts,” adding that he “was detained three times like a common criminal despite an order of court mandating the self-same Isaac Ogbah and police to desist from taking actions sub-judicial (sic) of the proceedings on-going in court. They defied all court orders. Alas! the court would not agree to join the police to the suit even as they and Isaac Ogbah stressed that they would not be bound by an order of court in which they were not parties to the proceedings.”

Amulu also alleged that Ogbah procured two junior officers in the Legal Unit of the IGP’s Office “to prefer a baseless charge in Charge No. CR/wz2/09/2022 IGP v Uchenna Amul & Ors against me,” adding that “In court, he testified of his grouse with Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, which he is now vindictively visiting on me, falsely alleging that I work with the learned silk, whereas it is not so.”

Passing judgement on the aspirant, Amulu said: “Isaac Ogbah notoriously abuses the judicial process by a wanton mix of police oppression and running for cover using police prosecutorial powers as provided by law. He cannot be allowed to lead the Bar, as the damages he will cause with any little position are better imagined than felt.”

When contacted, Amulu told CITY LAWYER that he does not “know” members of the electoral committee, “So I cannot say whether I trust or don’t trust anyone. But I have confidence in Akpata Administration; he has tried to promote the rule of law, he has tried to challenge the abuse of our rights and laws, even by the Attorney General. So I should also trust his judgement on those he appoints in the capacity of members of the ECNBA. So I expect them to do the right thing. Their judgement may not favour me; it may favour me. But my own is that I am happy now that I have spoken out. They cannot pretend not to know about this petition and about this issue hanging on the neck of this person (Ogbah). So even if Isaac scales the ECNBA (screening), let the voting community of lawyers know the person who Isaac is. If we vote him in despite all these weighty allegations against him, if he turns out to be a tiger or a dog who eats the bone hung around his neck, let us not blame ourselves like we brought in (President Muhammadu) Buhari. That is the aim. If ECNBA disqualifies him, they have made my day! But I am not the one to take that decision for them. So I will keep quiet and hope that they do the right thing. If they compromise it, no worries. The lawyers would have seen that I wrote this petition; so we will use our voting rights to vote him out!”

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Comments Off on NBA PRESIDENT, AKPATA SET TO WED LONG-TIME SWEETHEART

NBA PRESIDENT, AKPATA SET TO WED LONG-TIME SWEETHEART

Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President, Mr. Olumide Akpata is set to wed his long-time heartthrob, Miss Osayamon Michelle Ogbebor.

In a SAVE THE DATE flier sighted by CITY LAWYER, Akpata stated that he popped the question “after a bit of dithering” and his partner said “Yes!” CITY LAWYER gathered from a source close to the NBA President that the bride is a senior executive and Financial Markets Legal Adviser at Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) Plc.

While the traditional marriage is scheduled to hold in the spouse’s compound at Ekenwan Road, Benin, Edo State on May 14, 2022 the reception holds at Air Force Military Base, Airport Road, Benin, Edo State.

Said Akpata: “After a bit of dithering on my part, I finally asked my darling Osayamon to marry me and … she said yes!!!

“Our Families, having now been formally introduced and the necessary consultations having taken place, we are pleased to announce the details of our Wedding nuptials as follows: ….”

The NBA President has urged friends and well wishers to “Please keep Osayamon and me in your prayers even as you make your plans to share in these special moments with us.”

When CITY LAWYER contacted Akpata on the news, he was yet to respond at press time.

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MORE ASPIRANTS JOIN NBA ELECTION RACE, SUBMIT NOMINATION FORMS

More aspirants have confirmed that they submitted Nomination Forms for the forthcoming Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) elections into the General Council of the Bar and the National Executive Council.

Virtually all the aspirants who CITY LAWYER predicted in its earlier report would join the race confirmed that they had submitted their nomination forms. Aside from Linda Rose Bala and Ede Asenoguan whose close aides confirmed their submission, the other aspirants confirmed the submission of their nomination forms to CITY LAWYER.

There are strong indications that many aspirants submitted their nomination forms yesterday, even as there may be a few new entrants during the elections. Former NBA Welfare Secretary, Mr. Joshua Enemali and longstanding NBA rapporteur Anne Agi told CITY LAWYER that they have submitted nomination forms to vie for a position in the Bar Council, even as Mr. Churchill Aniekwena of NBA Barnawa Branch said he has joined the race for Welfare Secretary. Another new entrant to the race is global President of African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA), Mandy Asagba who is gunning for the post of 3rd Vice President while impeccable sources told CITY LAWYER that Mr. Maximus Ugwuoke of NBA Enugu Branch is also vying for the post of Welfare Secretary.

Below are some of the aspirants who CITY LAWYER had confirmed submission of their nomination forms.

PRESIDENT
The battle for the NBA Presidency remains a three-legged tussle between Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama SAN, Mr. Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau SAN and Mr. Jonathan Taidi. While Gadzama is the Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association Security Agencies Relations Committee (NBA-SARC), Maikyau is the Chairman of the NBA Welfare Committee. On his part, Taidi is the immediate past NBA General Secretary.

GENERAL SECRETARY
Aside from the presidential race, the election for the post of General Secretary is poised to be between five gladiators. While Messrs Adesina Adegbite, Desmond Yamah, Ewenode William and Collins Ogiegbaen confirmed submission of nomination forms to CITY LAWYER, Ede Asenoguan’s confidante told CITY LAWYER that he submitted his nomination form yesterday.

FIRST VICE PRESIDENT
Zoned to the “Northern Zone,” Idris Doko Muhammad of NBA Lagos Branch confirmed submission of nomination form while an unimpeachable source confirmed that Linda Rose Bala has submitted her nomination form for the race for the pivotal seat of NBA First Vice President. Calls to Messrs Yakubu Saleh Bawa and Liman Salihu received no response. Bala is former NBA Legal Adviser while Bawa is current Chairman of NBA Jos Branch. On his part, Salihu is former Chairman of NBA Lokoja Branch

SECOND VICE PRESIDENT
The post of Second Vice President has been ‘micro-zoned’ to the Core East by the influential Eastern Bar Forum (EBF). Among those who confirmed submission of nomination forms to CITY LAWYER are the immediate past NBA Bwari Branch Chairman, Mr. Clement Chukwuemeka (aka “Democrats”); his NBA Owerri Branch counterpart, Mr. Damian Nosike, and Dr. Gerald Abonyi, pioneer NBA Obollo-Afor Branch Chairman. Mr. Anthony Chukwurah of NBA Gwagwalada Branch and Mr. Finian Eze Ndukwu of NBA Mbaise Branch also told CITY LAWYER that they have joined the race for Second Vice President.

THIRD VICE PRESIDENT
Zoned to the “Western Zone” comprising Egbe Amofin O’odua and Midwest Bar blocs, CITY LAWYER can confirm that at least three aspirants are now in the race. While former NBA Ota Branch Chairman, Mr. Isaac Omuta Ogbah and Mr. Promise Ademi-Akpeto confirmed submission of their nomination forms to CITY LAWYER, unimpeachable sources told CITY LAWYER that AWLA global President, Mandy Asagba has also joined the race.

TREASURER
Among the aspirants who have confirmed submission of nomination forms to CITY LAWYER are former NBA Assistant Publicity Secretary, Mr. Chuks Mbamala of NBA Enugu Branch; current NBA Epe Branch Vice Chairman and NBA-SPIDEL Committee Treasurer, Funmi Adeogun; former Vice Chairman of NBA Lafia Branch and current Treasurer, NBA Women Forum (NBAWF), Safiya Balarabe as well as Caroline Ladidi Anze-Bishop, former Vice Chairman and former NEC Representative, NBA Bukuru Branch.

WELFARE SECRETARY
Immediate past NBA Assistant Secretary, Chinyere Obasi and former NBA Barnawa Branch Welfare Secretary, Mr. Churchill Aniekwena have confirmed submission of nomination forms for the post of Welfare Secretary. Meanwhile, impeccable sources told CITY LAWYER that Mr. Maximus Ugwuoke of Enugu Branch has now joined the race. CITY LAWYER also reliably gathered that NBA Welfare Committee member and co-opted NEC member, Mr. Auta Nyada has submitted his nomination form.

PUBLICITY SECRETARY
This is a tripodal race between the immediate past Assistant Publicity Secretary, Mr. Habeeb Akorede Lawal; current NBA Welfare Committee Secretary, Ogaga Emoghanre, and the latest entrant, Mr. Felix Chukwuma Ashimole (aka Che Oyinatumba), a former NBA Bwari Branch Secretary and former Member of NBA Anti-Corruption Committee. All three aspirants have confirmed submission of nomination forms to CITY LAWYER.

ASSISTANT GENERAL SECRETARY
This race may present a crowded field of aspirants. The aspirants who have confirmed to CITY LAWYER that they submitted nomination forms are the current NBA Ikorodu Branch Secretary, Mr. Oluwaseun Aka; incumbent NBA Ilorin Branch Vice Chairman, Mr. Dhikrullah Adewale Balogun; Mr. Daniel Kip of Calabar, and Mr. Oseme Peremene Anthony, former NBA Idemili Branch Chairman.

ASSISTANT PUBLICITY SECRETARY
This may be a straight fight between Mr. Charles Ajiboye who also contested for the position during the last election and Mr. Akachukwu Nwoye, current NBA Gwagwalada Branch Secretary. Both aspirants told CITY LAWYER that they have submitted their nomination forms for the election.

GENERAL COUNCIL OF THE BAR
Among those itching to represent the Bar at the Bar Council are former NBA Welfare Secretary, Mr. Joshua Enemali and Ms. Anne Agi; current NBA Aba Branch Vice Chairman, Mr. Victor Onweremadu who may have jettisoned his initial quest for the position of Welfare Secretary, and Mr. Femi Onakoya of NBA Lagos Branch.

CITY LAWYER also gathered that many aspirants including some senior advocates have shown serious interest in slugging it out for a place in the General Council of the Bar.

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NBA, ASF FRANCE OFFER FREE LEGAL SERVICES TO 120 VICTIMS

Avocats Sans Frontières France (ASF France) and the Nigerian Bar Association have provided free legal services to 120 victims of human rights violations relating to torture, arbitrary detention and extra-judicial killings.

This was disclosed during a meeting organized by ASF FRANCE under the European Union and the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) funded, “Strengthening the National Actors Capacities and Advocation for Ending Severe Human Rights Violations in Nigeria project” (SAFE) project. The project is targeted at addressing human rights violations in relation to torture, extra-judicial killings and arbitrary detention.

The one-day legal aid coordination meeting is the third Legal Aid Coordination Meeting organized in collaboration with NBA to foster ASF France mandate of promoting the enjoyment of human rights in Nigeria. It provided an opportunity for the project support lawyers to provide updates on the status of legal aid delivery in their respective states as regards the third year of the project. It also provided the opportunity for them to share experiences and exchange learning based on the cases being handled. The cases bother on provision of free legal assistance on the SAFE project to victims of torture and family members of victims of extra-judicial killings and arbitrary detentions.

The Country Director of ASF France, Angela Uwandu Uzoma-Iwuchukwu highlighted the importance of the engagement, saying “the legal aid coordination meeting is a very important avenue for us to re-evaluate our pro-bono legal aid processes and learn from each other towards improving the effectiveness of the legal aid component of the SAFE project”.

According to a statement made available to CITY LAWYER, the support lawyers delivered presentations on legal aid delivery under the SAFE project while recommendations were made to tackle the challenges highlighted by the support lawyers during their presentations.

The forum rounded off with deliberations aimed at improving results of the legal aid delivery component of the project. During the deliberations, Aïssatou Kumagangue, Project Officer at the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) commended the support lawyers, saying: “I am immensely proud of the pro-bono legal aid delivery of this project. Thank you for the silent but impactful work of you lawyers; please keep it up”. Esmé Stuart, Programme Manager, Human Rights and Gender, European Union (EU) also highlighted the importance of the legal aid component of the project, saying: “The legal aid component of this project helps to consolidate the outcomes of the entire project; we have to keep up the good work to ensure that we bring justice to where it is underserved.”

The SAFE project is implemented by Avocats Sans Frontières France in partnership with the Nigerian Bar Association and the Carmelite Prisoners’ Interest Organization. ASF France aims to sustain the impact of the Situation Room by virtually convening more frequently to monitor and review the implementation of the adopted strategies.

In attendance at the meeting were the SAFE project support lawyers, nominated NBA pro-bono lawyers, the NBA SAFE project focal person, and representative of the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria.

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Comments Off on HOW GADZAMA STORMED ECNBA, MOURNS PROF. GADZAMA

HOW GADZAMA STORMED ECNBA, MOURNS PROF. GADZAMA

The Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association Security Agencies Relations Committee (NBA-SARC), Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama SAN recently submitted his nomination form and accompanying documents for the coveted position of NBA President in the forthcoming NBA National Officers Election.

The former Chairman of the NBA Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL) arrived the Electoral Committee of the NBA (ECNBA) Secretariat at about 3:42 pm last Thursday to submit the form in compliance with the Electoral Guidelines. Many admirers of the leading litigator accompanied him to the ECNBA secretariat.

According to a statement made available to CITY LAWYER, “The Learned Silk giving his final remarks further appreciated the presence of teeming supporters and jokingly closed with a teaser, saying that, although the discussion had ended, just like the Honda Car, the discussion would continue. As usual, the jovial Bar Patriot elicited hearty laughs from all who were present amidst cheers of approval and accolades.

“Whilst exiting the premises, the Learned Silk was excused for an exclusive interview wherein he reiterated the importance of a good, all-inclusive and focused visionary leadership of the Bar.” He added that “We must live up to our roles as the watchdog of the society, the eyes of the blind, the eardrums of the deaf and the mouthpiece of the dumb. Our electoral process must set the pace and trend for the political class of our society to emulate… And this is our dream and vision, because life is not how much you acquire or own but how much impact you’re able to make on the lives of others.”

The submission process is available for download at https://drive.google.com/drive/u/6/folders/1lXqjxGWL4l6vz2ovb_PoZBJiNcQJvlMZ

Meanwhile, the Bar Leader has expressed sadness over the demise last weekend of Prof. Emeritus Njidda Mamadu Gadzama.

Reacting to the passing of the former university administrator, he said: “It is with great pain in my heart that I mourn the death of Prof. Njidda Mamadu Gadzama who doubled as a good friend of my late father and an uncle to myself. Prof. Njidda Mamadu Gadzama was a respectable and renowned academician whose dedication to the advancement of education in Nigeria earned him the right to be referred to as an academic leader.

“The late professor occupied several leadership positions having been the pioneer Pro-Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of my alma mater, University of Maiduguri and the Acting Vice-Chancellor of University of Port Harcourt. I am certain that the Late Professor lived a fulfilled life as his impact through these various positions in the line of academics will forever be ingrained in our hearts. It is worthy to mention that he has also left behind a great legacy which outlives his time with us.

“On behalf of myself, my family and the entire staff of J-K Gadzama LLP, I express my heartfelt condolences to the family of Prof. Njidda Mamadu Gadzama. My solace lies in the fact that ‘the Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord (Job 1:21b)’ and ‘If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord (Romans 14:8).’ In light of the foregoing, I implore the family to take solace in the wise words of the Holy Book.”

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Comments Off on NBA-SPIDEL REGISTRATION FOR SOKOTO CONFAB STARTS TUESDAY

NBA-SPIDEL REGISTRATION FOR SOKOTO CONFAB STARTS TUESDAY

The Nigerian Bar Association Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL) will on Tuesday commence registration for its eagerly awaited 2022 Annual Conference holding in the ancient and royal city of Sokoto.

The conference which will hold at the exquisite 1,500-capacity Sokoto Conference Centre located along Sokoto Airport Road between May 22 and 26, 2022 has as its theme “Rule of Law and Democratic Evolution in Nigeria.

According to a statement by NBA-SPIDEL Publicity Secretary, Mr. Godfrey Echeho, Early Bird registration will commence on April 19 and end on May 2, 2022 while Late Registration starts on May 3 and ends on May 17, 2022. The hybrid conference is also open to virtual participants.

While young lawyers of 1-5 years post-call experience will pay only N5,000 as Early Bird rate, this will attract N7,000 as Late Registration. 6-10 years post-call participants will pay N7,000 as Early Bird rate and N10,000 for Late Registration. N10,000 and N15,000 are the Early Bird and Late Registration rates respectively for lawyers with 11-15 years post-call experience while 16-20 years post-call participants will pay N15,000 and N20,000 respectively as Early Bird and Late Registration rates.

Lawyers with 20 years and above post-call experience will pay N20,000 and N25,000 respectively as Early Bird and Late Registration rates while Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Attorneys General and Benchers will pay N50,000 and N70,000 respectively as Early Bird and Late Registration rates.

Justices, judges, khadis and grand khadis are required to pay N30,000 and N35,000 respectively as Early Bird and Late Registration rates while non-lawyers will pay N20,000 and N25,000 respectively as Early Bird and Late Registration rates. Virtual rates are also available for prospective online participants.

To register, visit www.nbaspidel.ng. For enquiries, please call 07065399177 or 08063088182 or email info@nbaspidel.ng.

NBA-SPIDEL annual conferences are increasingly becoming a reference point for very lively and intellectually rewarding conferences.

According to NBA-SPIDEL Chairman, Dr. Monday Ubani, “This year’s conference is designed to outstrip our last conferences in Aba and Ibadan both in the repertoire of topical issues on public interest and development law, ambience, networking, sight-seeing and social activities. It is designed to be a most engaging and entertaining conference ever held by SPIDEL. The Conference Planning Committee (CPC) ably led by three-term Lagos State Commissioner, Dr. Muiz Banire SAN has been extremely impressive. I do not wish that any lawyer should miss this year’s conference for any reason.”

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Comments Off on ASPIRANTS BEAT DEADLINE, SUBMIT NOMINATION FORMS

ASPIRANTS BEAT DEADLINE, SUBMIT NOMINATION FORMS

Many aspirants have scaled the first hurdle in their quest to clinch positions in the forthcoming Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) elections into the General Council of the Bar and the National Executive Council.

Below are some of the aspirants who CITY LAWYER had confirmed submission of their nomination forms.

CITY LAWYER also gathered that many aspirants including some senior advocates have shown serious interest in slugging it out for a place in the General Council of the Bar.

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Comments Off on NBA PRESIDENCY: GADZAMA SUBMITS NOMINATION FORM AMID CHEERS

NBA PRESIDENCY: GADZAMA SUBMITS NOMINATION FORM AMID CHEERS

The Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association Security Agencies Relations Committee (NBA-SARC), Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama SAN has submitted his nomination form and accompanying documents for the coveted position of NBA President in the forthcoming NBA National Officers Election.

A statement made available to CITY LAWYER shows that the former Chairman of the NBA Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL) arrived the Electoral Committee of the NBA (ECNBA) Secretariat at about 3:42 pm yesterday to submit the form in compliance with the Electoral Guidelines. The statement noted that many admirers of the leading litigator accompanied and cheered him on during the submission exercise.

According to the statement, “The Learned Silk giving his final remarks further appreciated the presence of teeming supporters and jokingly closed with a teaser, saying that, although the discussion had ended, just like the Honda Car, the discussion would continue. As usual, the jovial Bar Patriot elicited hearty laughs from all who were present amidst cheers of approval and accolades.

The Director-General of Vox Populi Foundation for Leadership, Chief Prince Chukwudi Oli thanked the supporters “who took out time from their busy schedules to support the vision of the Learned Silk.”

The NBA National Officers Election holds on July 16, 2022.

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‘WHY I SHUNNED KLIEGLIGHTS TO SUBMIT NBA PRESIDENCY FORM,’ BY TAIDI

An aspirant for the post of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Presidency and former NBA General Secretary, Mr. Jonathan Taidi has said that the submission of his nomination form and accompanying documents was shorn of any razzmatazz in deference to the “tenor of the times.”

Speaking to CITY LAWYER, Taidi also stated that “to lead the Bar at this time requires deep commitment,” adding that “conduct throughout the NBA electioneering process ought to be solemn and dignified, without razzmatazz.”

His words: “Nigeria is troubled, to put it mildly, and to lead the Bar at this time requires deep commitment – not the usual sort of grandstanding. As a result, after deep reflection, I decided to submit my nomination forms to contest for the President of the Bar. However, cognizant of the spirit of the times, I decided to submit my application solo; no photos, no videos, plain and unaccompanied. For me, conduct throughout the NBA electioneering process ought to be solemn and dignified, without razzmatazz, and I hope that considering the tenor of the times, this becomes a template for other professional bodies and the country as a whole.”

CITY LAWYER recalls that the Electoral Committee of the NBA (ECNBA) had slated 4 pm today as deadline for submission of nomination form and accompanying documents. The election to fill the positions in the NBA National Executive Council holds on July 16, 2022.

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Comments Off on NBA PRESIDENCY: GADZAMA, MAIKYAU, TAIDI SET FOR BATTLE, SUBMIT NOMINATION FORMS

NBA PRESIDENCY: GADZAMA, MAIKYAU, TAIDI SET FOR BATTLE, SUBMIT NOMINATION FORMS

Bar Leaders, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama SAN, Mr. Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau SAN and Mr. Jonathan Gunu Taidi have thrown their hats into the ring to battle for the presidency of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in the forthcoming National Officers Election, CITY LAWYER can authoritatively report.

This confirms CITY LAWYER report that the three gladiators plan to vie for the position of NBA President. The election is slated for July 16, 2022.

While Gadzama and Maikyau stormed the Electoral Committee of the NBA (ECNBA) office with a retinue of supporters, Taidi told CITY LAWYER that he went “unaccompanied.” His words: “No photos, no video, unaccompanied. For me, conduct throughout the NBA electioneering process should be a template for other professional bodies and the country.”

In an interview after submitting his Nomination Form and accompanying documents, Gadzama said: “We must live up to our roles as the watchdog of the society, the eyes of the blind, the eardrums of the deaf and the mouthpiece of the dumb.”

Accompanied by about 77 supporters, Maikyau said in a video sighted by CITY LAWYER: “You know, Sani is my imam. And so we know without a doubt, because what we brought is coming from those that are blessed and is being received by one who is blessed. There is nothing short of victory to come out of it.”

The ECNBA has set 4 pm today as the deadline for submission of nomination forms.

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Comments Off on NBA DISOWNS ‘LAWYER’ OVER FAKE STAMP, VOWS PROSECUTION

NBA DISOWNS ‘LAWYER’ OVER FAKE STAMP, VOWS PROSECUTION

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has said that it never issued any stamp to one Aroyewun Adeleke Sulaimon.

Noting that the suspected fake stamp bearing the name of one Mr. Aroyewun Adeleke Sulaimon embossed on a title document is “in breach of the extant laws regulating the practice of law in Nigeria,” the NBA stated that “Preliminary investigations reveal that the stamp affixed to the title document was not issued by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), neither has the NBA issued any stamp to any Mr. Aroyewun Adeleke Sulaimon.”

Below is the full text of the statement signed by NBA Publicity Secretary, Dr. Rapulu Nduka.

USE OF FAKE NBA STAMPS IN THE NAME OF ONE MR. AROYEWUN ADELEKE SULAIMON: A DISCLAIMER

The attention of the leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association (“NBA”) has been drawn to a suspected fake stamp bearing the name of one Mr. Aroyewun Adeleke Sulaimon embossed on a title document in breach of the extant laws regulating the practice of law in Nigeria.

Preliminary investigations reveal that the stamp affixed to the title document was not issued by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), neither has the NBA issued any stamp to any Mr. Aroyewun Adeleke Sulaimon.

Consequently, the NBA will make a formal report to the Nigerian Police, in order to unravel the individuals behind these offending acts and to bring them to book.

The NBA reiterates that it will continue to take every step to ensure that the Legal Profession is not brought to disrepute, and will take appropriate steps to close in on fake lawyers and those who produce and/or make use of fake NBA Stamps.

The NBA also appeals to all lawyers to kindly bring to its attention any such infraction(s) in order for the appropriate steps to be taken.

Dr. Rapulu Nduka
Publicity Secretary,
Nigerian Bar Association

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Comments Off on BUHARI, GOVERNORS, MINISTERS, OTHERS MOURN PA UBANI

BUHARI, GOVERNORS, MINISTERS, OTHERS MOURN PA UBANI

President Muhammadu Buhari has condoled with Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL), Dr. Monday Ubani on the passing of his father, Pa Egbedubi Nwokocha. He was aged 101 years.

Pa Nwokocha died on January 3, 2022 in Lagos and will be buried at his hometown Umuosoko, Awomukwu, Ikwuano Local Government Area, Abia State on April 22, 2022.

Other notable persons who have sent condolence messages to the NBA-SPIDEL chieftain include Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State; Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State; Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State; Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State; former Governor of Abia State and the current Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu; former Akwa Ibom State Governor and Minister of Niger Delta, Senator Godswill Akpabio; Minister of State for Mines and Steel, Dr. Uche Ogah; Senator Ike Ekweremadu; Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe; Senator Nkechi Nwaogu; Hon. Sam Onuigbo, NBA President, Mr. Olumide Akpata; African Bar Association (ABA) President, Mr. Hannibal Uwaifo; Chief Judges of Abia and Lagos States, some Justices of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, former NBA Presidents and former Group Managing Director of Diamond Bank, Mr. Alex Oti among others.

In a condolence letter dated April 11, 2022 and signed by Mr. Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Buhari noted God’s gift of longevity on Pa Nwokocha.

Buhari stated that Pa Nwokocha left his footprints on the sands of time, gaining reputation as a man of peace, a philanthropist, dutiful father, public spirited individual, and a man of integrity.

Condoling Ubani who is the only son of the deceased and his family, the President urged them to keep the flag of the good works hoisted by their patriarch flying, knowing that in that wise, Pa Nwokocha would live forever in the hearts and minds of all who knew him.

Meanwhile, a group, “FRIENDS OF DR. MONDAY UBANI” has issued a statement on the forthcoming funeral rites for Pa Ubani.

Below is the full text of the statement.

IMPORTANT NOTICE!!!:

Compliments distinguished Bar leaders and Colleagues. Many thanks to us all for what we’re collectively doing for our good friend, brother and colleague, Dr. Monday Onyekachi Ubani (MOU). Blessings to us all.

Here are some important updates towards the forthcoming events of 21st and 22nd April at Ikwuano Abia State.

1. TRAVEL ADVICE/DIRECTIONS:

a. From Umuahia
Awomukwu Ikwuano is along the Umuahia – Umudike – Ikwuano – Ikot-Ekpene Road. It is the last town before another community called Ariam. Look out for Umualo junction in Awomukwu About 30/35 mins drive from Umuahia main town. Road is in good shape.

b. From Uyo: Along Ikot-Ekpene Umuahia Road, after Ariam town is Awomukwu . Locate same Umualo junction and you’re there. About 27/30 mins drive from Uyo. Good road.

c. Coming by road : Umuahia is your best for hotel reservation.

c. Flying : Uyo airport is relatively nearer to Ubani’s place than assessing via Owerri airport. So you may consider hotel reservation in Uyo.

2. HOTEL ARRANGEMENTS:
Hotels has been reserved at very discounted rates at Umuahia and Uyo cities. TONY NNAWIKE OBA OF NACO LOGISTICS IS IN CHARGE OF ALL HOTEL RESERVATIONS. See the Hotel reservations catalog as already published by NACO. You can reach him on 08069206814

3. BUS SHUTTLE:
Dr. Ubani has provided air conditioned Coaster buses to shuttle lawyers to and fro the events from their respective hotels, both at Umuahia and Uyo. For both the Lawyers’ Night of Tributes/Wake-keep on 21st and burial on 22nd . Expect more updates on bus departure points, time and route.

4. UNIFORM/DRESS CODE:
a. Night of tributes/Wake-keep – No dress code

b. BURIAL DAY (22nd)
WHITE ATTIRE FOR ALL LAWYERS is highly recommended.

5. SECURITY:
Abia State is relatively safe. However, maximum security arrangements are in place to ensure the safety of all prospective guests at Ikwuano.

Once again I thank you all for being here. Let’s endeavour to attend the scheduled events to honour our own MOU and to make the celebration of life more eventful.

May God bless us all.

Okey Ohagba
For: FRIENDS OF DR. MONDAY UBANI

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Comments Off on NNAMDI KANU SUES DSS, MALAMI OVER CHANGE OF CLOTHES

NNAMDI KANU SUES DSS, MALAMI OVER CHANGE OF CLOTHES

Embattled Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has dragged the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami SAN, the State Security Service (SSS) and its Director General to the Federal High Court over alleged refusal to allow him change his clothes.

In an application filed yesterday by his lawyer, Mr. Maxwell Opara, the detained IPOB leader sought “AN ORDER directing the Respondents, jointly and severally, to immediately allow the Applicant to have a change of clothes in their detention facility or at any time he appears in public for his trial.”

In the court documents made available to CITY LAWYER, Kanu is also seeking “AN ORDER of this court directing the Respondents, jointly or severally, to allow the Applicant to start wearing any clothes of his choice, more so, to allow him to wear his traditional Igbo Attires (Isi-Agu) and/or other Igbo traditional attires of his choice.”

Kanu has also urged the court for “AN ORDER OF PERPETUAL INJUNCTION restraining the Respondents, their authorized agents by whatever name so called, from further disturbing or interfering with the rights of the Applicant to dignity of human person and freedom from discrimination or in any way infringing on the constitutional rights of the Applicant as guaranteed by law or from making any attempt capable of violating the Applicant’s rights as guaranteed under the Constitution.”

In the application brought pursuant to Order II Rules 1, 2, 3, & 5 of the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules, 2009, Sections 34(1)(a), 42(1) and 46(1) – (3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), Articles 5 African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act Cap A9 Vol. 1 LFN 2004 and under the inherent jurisdiction of the court, the pro-Biafra activist is also seeking the following reliefs

1) A DECLARATION OF THIS HONOURABLE COURT that the Respondents, whilst carrying out their lawful duties, are bound to adhere to and/or respect the fundamental rights of all citizens of Nigeria as enshrined in Chapter 4 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended and the Africa Charter on Human and Peoples Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act.

2) A DECLARATION OF THIS HONOURABLE COURT that the Applicant, even though currently a detainee, is entitled to the enjoyment of his fundamental right to dignity of human person as guaranteed under Sections 34(1)(a) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and Articles 5 African Charter on Human and Peoples rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act CAP A9 Vol. 1 LFN 2004.

3) A DECLARATION OF THIS HONOURABLE COURT that the Applicant, even though currently a detainee, is entitled to the enjoyment of his fundamental right to freedom from discrimination as guaranteed under Sections 42(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended)

4) A DECLARATION OF THIS HONOURABLE COURT that, notwithstanding that the Applicant is detained in the Respondents‟ detention facility, the actions of the Respondents, jointly and severally, in constantly refusing and/or preventing the Applicant from having a change of clothes or subjugating the Applicant to wearing one particular cloth against his will, both while within their detention facility or on days when he is to appear before the Federal High Court or other designated place/s for his trial, constitute a subjection of the Applicant to in human and degrading treatment, thus a gross violation of the Applicant‟s right to dignity of human person as guaranteed under Sections 34(1)(a) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and Articles 5 African Charter on Human and Peoples rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act CAP A9 Vol. 1 LFN 2004.

5) A DECLARATION OF THIS HONOURABLE COURT that, notwithstanding that the Applicant is detained in the Respondents‟ detention facility, the actions of the Respondents in constantly preventing and/or commanding the Applicant to desist from wearing the traditional Igbo attire(Isi-Agu) or other attires identical to the Igbo Ethnic group of Nigeria; even when no law in Nigeria forbids the Applicant from wearing same and more so when it is a notorious fact that other inmates from other ethnic groups wear their traditional clothes, constitute a subjection of the Applicant to full-fledged discrimination by reason of his ethnic group or place of origin, thus a gross violation of the Applicant’s right to freedom from discrimination as guaranteed under Section 42(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).

The application is accompanied by a 10-paragraph affidavit deposed to by Opara. No date has been fixed for hearing of the lawsuit.

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Comments Off on NBA-ICLE 10-DAY LAW OFFICE MANAGEMENT TRAINING CONTINUES TODAY

NBA-ICLE 10-DAY LAW OFFICE MANAGEMENT TRAINING CONTINUES TODAY

The Nigerian Bar Association Institute of Continuing Legal Education (NBA- ICLE) will today hold another instalment of its scheduled 10-day “LAW OFFICE MANAGEMENT TRAINING FOR LAWYERS.” The time is 2 pm to 3 pm.

According to a statement made available to CITY LAWYER, the topic for today’s training is “Why a Law Firm Needs a Strategy.” The speaker is Sylvia Nzekwu, a human resource management expert and Principal Consultant of SHAN Consulting Limited while the Moderator is Mr. Tobenna Erojikwe, NBA-ICLE Chairman and Partner at The Law Crest LLP.

Nzekwu has extensive experience in Professional Services Consulting, Administration, Human Resources Management and Trade Development/Regional Integration. She specialised in working with law firms to infuse best practices into the legal services sector. A dynamic Speaker, Organisational Retreat Facilitator, Trainer and Moderator skilled in employing clarity and innovation to deliver effectively to diverse audiences at all organisational levels, Nzekwu has strong interpersonal skills capable of resolving multiple (human resources, operational, business development) issues. She is reputed as having a “high level of professionalism and integrity as well as strong Project Management and organisational skills.”

To register, click on https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_tkXyr35oQjKsw6M0gsR93Q. According to the organisers, “The training is free and 1 CPD Hour will be allocated to members who attend the training.”

An earlier statement by NBA Publicity Secretary, Dr. Rapulu Nduka noted as follows: “Recall that as part of its drive to promote continuing professional development, build capacity amongst its members and expand the practice areas of Nigerian lawyers, the current leadership of the NBA through the Institute of Continuing Legal Education (NBA- ICLE) has been organizing a series of free capacity-building programmes for the benefit of members of the Association.

“In line with the above, kindly be informed that from the 31st day of March 2022, the NBA-ICLE will be organizing a 10 – day Law Office Management Training for Lawyers. The training will take place on the following days: 31st of March 2022; 7th, 12th, 14th, 19th, 21st, 26th and 28th of April 2022; and the 3rd and 5th of May 2022.

“To participate in the programme, members are advised to register with this link: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_tkXyr35oQjKsw6M0gsR93Q.

“An email confirming successful registration will be sent upon completion of registration.

“This training is free and all members, regardless of their branch, are encouraged to register and attend.”

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EMEKA NWADIOKE
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Comments Off on ‘LUCIUS NWOSU LEFT INDELIBLE FOOTPRINTS,’ SAYS GADZAMA

‘LUCIUS NWOSU LEFT INDELIBLE FOOTPRINTS,’ SAYS GADZAMA

The Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association Security Agencies Relations Committee (NBA-SARC), Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama SAN has condoled the spouse of Mr. Lucius Nwosu SAN over the death of the foremost oil and gas lawyer.

In a statement made available to CITY LAWYER and titled “CONDOLENCE MESSAGE ON THE DEMISE OF YOUR BELOVED HUSBAND – LATE CHIEF LUCIUS E. NWOSU, SAN,” Gadzama said he sympathized with the spouse, Dr. Chinelo Nwosu “on the glorious home-call of your beloved husband, Chief Lucius E. Nwosu, SAN.”

Continuing, he wrote: “It was with great shock that I learnt of the sad demise of your beloved husband and patriarch of the Nwosu family, who passed on peacefully as one of the best stock of Legal Practitioners that Nigeria and the good people of Imo State has ever known.

“Chief Lucius E. Nwosu, SAN left indelible footprints in the sands of time. He left a big shoe to fill by his successor. He was a great achiever and a man who lived a purpose driven life. His strides of accomplishments in the Nigerian Courts were peculiar to him alone. He was a beacon of light amongst his peers. He will be greatly missed.

“It is my prayer that God Almighty in his infinite mercy grants you and your entire family the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss of the strong pillar of your family. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. May his gentle soul continue to rest in perfect peace with the Lord.

“Kindly accept the warm assurances of my esteemed regards.”

The condolence letter was copied to Mr. Prince Nyekwere, Chairman of NBA Port Harcourt Branch.

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Comments Off on NBA ELECTION: GADZAMA PICKS FORM AMID BAR LEADERS, YLF, FIDA OFFICERS

NBA ELECTION: GADZAMA PICKS FORM AMID BAR LEADERS, YLF, FIDA OFFICERS

Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama SAN has laid to rest any speculations on his quest for the presidency of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), having picked up yesterday the form to contest the forthcoming election.

Accompanied by Bar Leaders and some officers of the Young Lawyers Forum (YLF) and International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Gadzama was at the Electoral Committee of the NBA (ECNBA) secretariat at Trade & Convention Centre, Abuja to pick up the Nomination Form for the National Officers Election scheduled for July 16, 2022.

According to a statement made available to CITY LAWYER, “The support groups which accompanied the renowned Bar Patriot, J-K Gadzama, SAN had in representation several colleagues, friends, families and supporters from different NBA branches within and outside the Federal Capital Territory, International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Young Lawyers Forum as well as members of staff from the firm, J-K Gadzama LLP. The astute and active member of the Bar and his supporters received a warm welcome at the Secretariat after which the form was officially handed to him.

“Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN while thanking his colleagues, friends and supporters for coming out in their numbers to jointly support his efforts in advancing the Bar and Legal Profession, promised to continue in earnest service to the course of the Nigerian Bar. The Learned Silk who had ceaselessly been in the news was appointed Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association – Security Agencies Relations Committee (NBA-SARC) by the current President of the NBA, Olumide Akpata. The Committee had been credited by many members of the NBA for the achievements they recorded within a short time from inauguration and their tactfulness and quick-witted response in tackling issues of harassment of legal practitioners by security agencies.”

Some of the supporters who accompanied the leading litigator to the ECNBA office were Mela Audu Nunghe, SAN (former Chairman NBA Abuja Branch (Unity Bar); Mohammed Monguno, Esq. MCIArb. (Former Attorney-General of Borno State); Chukwudi Prince Oli, Esq (Director-General, Vox Populi Foundation for Leadership); Chukwuemeka Clement, Esq. (Immediate Past Chairman, NBA-Bwari Branch); Dr. Kayode Ajulo, Esq.; Nachamandan Shaltha, Esq. (Past Secretary, FIDA Abuja Branch and Publicity Secretary of FIDA); Moses Gana, Esq.; Darlington Onyekwere, Esq.; Madu Joe-Kyari Gadzama, Esq.; Jerry Ombugadu Musa, Esq.; Mark Chidi Agbo, Esq.; David Bege, Esq (Chairman, NBA-YLF Abuja (Unity Bar); Oluwatosin Emmanuel, Esq (Publicity Secretary, NBA-YLF Abuja branch, Unity Bar); Lamar Joe-Kyari Gadzama (Chairman, Young Lawyers’ Group of J-K Gadzama LLP); Olasunkanmi E. Oluwabiyi, Esq.; Hajara Sorondinki, Esq. (Secretary, Women’s Group of J-K Gadzama LLP); Hilary Ojeke, Esq.; Farida Ipimisho, Esq. and Cynthia Igwedibia, Esq.

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• OGBAH VISITING AFAM OSIGWE GROUSE ON ME – PETITIONER • ECNBA HAS NOT SERVED ME WITH PETITION – OGBAH

• ‘BE PATIENT,’ SAYS ECNBA

• OGBAH VISITING AFAM OSIGWE GROUSE ON ME – PETITIONER
• ECNBA HAS NOT SERVED ME WITH PETITION – OGBAH